The inspiration for this article came from working with an amazing nonprofit organisation recently. They do incredible work and have an awesome team, but when we sat down to plan their website rebuild, they couldn’t even find where half their content was hiding! Their UX Design for Non-Profit was completely missing.
It was funny (and they thought so too), but it highlighted something important: if your staff can’t navigate your non profit website, your donors won’t be able to either.
Watch the Reel— my B-grade acting skills explain why UX matters for fundraising websites
This short video sums it up: a website with too much clutter and no clear structure doesn’t just frustrate your team it confuses potential donors, volunteers, and supporters. And if people can’t find your donation page, they won’t give and they will just go elsewhere.
That’s why UX (user experience) design is the foundation of any nonprofit website or fundraising platform. Before you think about visuals, branding, or content, you need to create a clear, user-friendly structure that guides people straight to the action you want them to take—donating, volunteering, or getting involved.
Why Bad UX Design For Non-Profits Hurts Your Fundraising
Too much information feels like you’re giving more value—but in reality, it overwhelms users and hides the important stuff. On fundraising websites, this is a huge problem:
- Donors can’t find the donate button.
- Volunteers miss the sign-up form.
- Staff waste time trying to locate critical resources.
If your navigation is confusing or your donation process is buried, you’re losing potential support. A website with poor UX design for non-profits directly impacts your ability to raise funds.
5 UX Design Tips for Fundraising Platforms
1. Keep Navigation Simple and Clear
2. Prioritise Your Donation Page
On a fundraising platform, the Donate button should be visible on every page—ideally top right in the header and again in the footer. Don’t make donors hunt for it.
3. Create User Journeys for Different Audiences
4. Cut the Clutter
5. Test Your Website with Real Users
The Bottom Line: UX = More Donations
Your nonprofit website is often the first impression people have of your organisation. If it’s confusing or overwhelming, you risk losing donations and support.
Starting with UX design for non profit websites ensures your platform doesn’t just look professional—it works. A user-friendly structure builds trust, makes donating simple, and helps your mission grow.
Need help creating a user-friendly fundraising website that increases donations and supports your mission? At Cocoon Creative, we design non-profit websites and donation platforms that are simple, intuitive, and built to inspire action.
The first step is to book a call to discuss what you do, what you need and develop a plan to get you there.
UX design for non-profit fundraising websites is more than a nice-to-have, it’s the foundation of successful online giving. When donors, volunteers, and supporters land on your site, they need clear navigation, simple donation pathways, and user-friendly content that builds trust. A cluttered, confusing site drives potential donors away, while thoughtful UX design for non-profits guides them straight to the actions that matter most—donating, signing up, and getting involved. By focusing on intuitive structure, prioritising your donation page, and reducing friction, UX design for non-profits boosts engagement, increases conversions, and helps your organisation raise more funds for its mission.
